Resident Coordinator's speech: Media Solidarity Festival 2024

Your Excellency Jacques Werner, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Malaysia

Ms. Wathshlah G. Naidu, Executive Director, Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ)

Mr. Radzi Razak, Spokesperson, GERAMM

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, 

Good morning

It gives me great pleasure to join you today for this vibrant Media Solidarity Festival, a gathering that underscores the indispensable role of a free and independent press in shaping fair, just, and democratic societies.

This event comes at a pivotal time when journalists and media workers face mounting challenges, from disinformation and censorship to physical threats and impunity for crimes committed against them. 

These challenges are not just threats to individuals but to the principles of transparency, accountability, and human rights that underpin our collective progress.

As we stand together in solidarity with the media community, I could not find better words than those of the United Nations Secretary-General, so please allow me to share the statement he delivered this past 2nd of November, marking the INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS 

“ On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, we reaffirm our commitment to press freedom and the safety of journalists worldwide.

A free press is fundamental to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Yet journalists around the world are prevented from doing their job and often face threats, violence, and even death in their mission to bring truth to light and hold the powerful to account. 

Recent years have seen an alarming rate of fatalities in conflict zones – in particular in Gaza, which has seen the highest number of killings of journalists and media workers in any war in decades.

Worldwide, an estimated 9 out of 10 of journalist murders go unpunished. Impunity breeds further violence. This must change. 

The Pact for the Future adopted last month calls for respecting and protecting journalists, media professionals and associated personnel working in situations of armed conflict.

I call on governments to bring these commitments to life by taking urgent steps to protect journalists, investigate crimes against them, and prosecute perpetrators – everywhere.

Together, let’s end the cycle of violence, uphold freedom of expression, and ensure that journalists can carry out their essential work safely and without fear – everywhere.”

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today is not only about raising awareness of these issues but also about celebrating the courage and commitment of those who dedicate their lives to seeking and reporting the truth. It is a reminder that press freedom is a cornerstone of any society striving for sustainable development and inclusive growth.

This year’s World Press Freedom Day was under the theme of “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis”. 

As world leaders gather in Baku at COP 29 to boost climate action, let us honour environmental journalism, an increasingly dangerous profession as they raise awareness about environmental degradation, advocate for sustainable practices, promote accountability and strengthen evidence for effective policymaking.

Journalists inform, educate, and empower societies. 

Their work is essential, and so is their safety.

In today’s fast-evolving media landscape, journalists are navigating rapid advancements such as artificial intelligence, the rise of new media platforms, and challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation. They also navigate uncertainties around their livelihoods and the future of their profession.

This dynamic environment requires legal frameworks that protect rather than constrain press freedom, allowing journalists to work safely and ethically.

Thank you for being here today as we stand together to honour the principles of free expression and reinforce the importance of a safe, supportive environment for media to flourish and for the truth to prevail.

I reiterate my thanks and those of the UN in Malaysia to our partners and wish everyone a productive and fun festival.